Park Potomac

So long Saks, hello Lands’ End, yoga at Park Potomac and Fu Shing fades out

June 27, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

So long Saks

Sad news for all you label-conscious bargain hunters on Rockville Pike: Saks Off 5th is closing its doors after a three-year run at Congressional Plaza. The Rockville location is a victim of cost-cutting at Saks’ parent company, Hudson Bay Co., which also is closing some of its Lord & Taylor stores. (What does that mean for the White Flint and Lakeforest locations? Click here.) The Congressional Plaza Saks store will be open until October, with discounts getting deeper as the months go by. For a look at what’s happening inside, check out our photos on Facebook and Instagram.

A comeback for Lands' End?

Is Lands’ End on the way to Rockville? That’s the buzz this week after the Washington Business Journal uncovered construction documents for a spacious new store at Congressional Plaza. Plans call for Lands’ End to move into the former Performance Bicycle space, right next door to the departing Saks Off 5th (scroll up for more on that). This location would replace the Lands’ End shop inside Westfield Montgomery’s Sears store, which closed its doors last winter. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the latest.

Fu Shing fades out

If this counter looks familiar, we have some bad news: Fu Shing, a local favorite for Chinese takeout, is closing its doors after 20 years at the Westlake Crossing shopping center. Owners say their lease was up and they’ve decided to retire. Doors close on July 1st.

Yoga arrives at Park Potomac

Get your yoga mats ready: Park Potomac Yoga is arriving earlier than expected. July 1 is opening day for the new studio, which is taking over the long-empty Barre Belle space next to Love Couture Bridal Salon. Owner Debi Schenk will be teaching many classes herself, with assistance from instructors including Stephanie Rosenblatt, Becca Thomas, Scott Taylor, Meg Goodwin and Kelly Gerrish. Classes will include the new “rocket yoga” format, which incorporates lots of arm balances and inversions. Click here for more info.

The mall has your number

The Sleep Number store raised its profile at Westfield Montgomery mall this week, leaving its modest storefront for a snazzy new space in the Macy’s wing next to Ann Taylor. Meanwhile on the other side of the mall, newcomer Möge Tee is already drawing crowds near Chick-fil-A with an unusual take on bubble tea. More on that in our June 20th edition.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

Big summer ahead for Rio, new restaurants for Rockville, new yoga for Park Potomac and a Lord & Taylor update

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Big summer ahead for Rio, new restaurants for Rockville, new yoga for Park Potomac and a Lord & Taylor update

June 6, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Rio's new backyard

This week we checked out the snazzy new boardwork at Rio in Gaithersburg, where a striking outdoor concert stage is nearly complete and a summer’s worth of performances are on the way. Rio is undergoing a $30 million facelift with dramatic changes to its appearance and tenant mix. Shown here: the view from what will soon be a second-floor lounge outside the AMC movie theater and the upcoming Dave & Buster’s (aiming to open July 1st). What’s next for Rio? A huge Silver Diner with indoor/outdoor seating and full bar (tentatively opening in August); an “experiential” Xfinity store (opening date TBD); and a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema that’s almost finished inside the movie theater. Plans for a Baked Bear ice cream shop have fallen through, but local creamery Moorenko’s is coming with a summertime pop-up. For behind-the-scenes photos from our visit this week, check out Store Reporter on Facebook and Instagram.

Latest on Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor finally announced plans to close its store at Gaithersburg’s ailing Lakeforest Mall — no surprise, as other tenants have been exiting in droves while the mall’s owners look for a buyer. Meanwhile, the retailer’s White Flint store remains in business more than four years after the adjoining mall was demolished. On a recent visit, we found the White Flint Lord & Taylor in surprisingly good shape with up-to-date merchandise and plenty of still-loyal shoppers. After years of litigation with White Flint’s owners, it’s unclear how much longer this department store will be around. But for now, there’s plenty of summer merchandise on the shelves.

New restaurants for Rockville Town Square

Good news on the dining front for Rockville Town Square: Four new Asian restaurants are on the way. Friendship BBQ, featuring skewered meats and seafood dishes, will open this summer across from Sushi Damo. And the former Mellow Mushroom space, empty since last fall, will be divided into three new eateries: Gyuzo Japanese BBQ, offering sake and tabletop grilling; Kyoto Matcha, serving green tea, cakes and other desserts; and Cents Taro Family, specializing in Taiwanese taro balls. Rockville Town Square and the surrounding area are already home to a number of Asian restaurants, from the upscale Peter Chang, Sushi Damo and Thai Pavilion to fast-casual Pearl Lady and busy food hall The Spot. Meanwhile, Little Dipper Hot Pot House and the adjoining Lab Cafe recently closed on Gibbs Street.

Yoga at Park Potomac

A new yoga studio is heading to Park Potomac. Local yogi Debi Schenk is taking over the long-empty Barre Belle space a few doors down from Kaufmann Jewelers. Plans call for an early September opening, with a price point around $17 per class. Schenk’s studio won’t be the only new fitness option in Potomac this fall; Pure Barre is moving to Potomac Village. More on that in our May 2nd edition.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

What’s ahead for Wildwood, test kitchen at Zoës, new food at Congressional, ready for takeoff at the mall

May 9, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Wildwood blooms this summer

There’s a lot to look forward to at Wildwood this summer, with three new restaurants scheduled to open in the next few months. Flower Child, known for its flavorful and healthy menu, is nearing completion in the former Red Door space with a tentative opening date of July 3rd. Bethesda Bagels is on track for a late summer arrival, and Joe & the Juice won’t be far behind. Meanwhile, Salon Nader just moved into its new space between Flower Child and Belina Boutique. For more on all the new restaurants— as well as the recent departures of Oakville Grille and Wildwood Italian Cuisine — click here for our Jan. 17th edition.

Testing the menu at Zoës

In the six months since Cava Group acquired Zoës Kitchen, the Park Potomac restaurant has been serving as a testing ground for the fast-casual Mediterranean chain. “We are focusing on the basics, which includes making everything more fresh and flavorful,” says Cava partner Ted Xenohristos. “From the meats on the kabobs to the veggies on our salads, we are working on keeping things simple and putting a focus on the quality of the ingredients.” A new assortment of bowls, for example, features quinoa, lentils, cauliflower rice, cabbage slaw and other plant-based fare. If you haven’t seen the current menu, click here to check it out. If you’ve already tried it, click here to take an online survey and earn yourself a free drink from Zoës.

Taking off at the mall

This week we have a few more details on Dream Aero, the flight simulator that’s heading to Westfield Montgomery mall. The ride is expected to open late this year in the empty space above Cava and Gusto, just down the hall from the ArcLight Cinema. Prices will start around $150, a rep tells us, for a 30- to 120-minute ride with a pilot by your side in a cockpit that mimics the sights and sounds of a Boeing 737NG. This will be the first U.S. venture for Dream Aero, a Russian company that operates similar rides in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Dubai.

Beer, wine and a bite to eat

New place to grab a bite at Congressional Plaza: Beer & Wine Cellar, on the back side of the center at 146 Congressional Lane, is expanding into the space next door and venturing into the food business. Owner Joseph Gomes says he’ll offer a moderately priced menu of deli sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and cheesesteaks. “We’ll make your sandwich right in from of you, then you can get a glass of beer or wine and go sit outside,” he says. Indoor seating is already in place; the outdoor area should be up and running by the end of May.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

Hello Urban Plates and LebTav, goodbye to half The Gap, two more closings at Rockville Town Square

March 7, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Urban Plates arrives

The Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall looks a whole lot different this week: Urban Plates officially debuts on Monday (March 11th), but crowds started lining up on Thursday with tickets to pre-opening events. The restaurant offers a fresh-cooked cafeteria-style menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches along with more elaborate entrées, baked goods and juices. For a look at the menu, click here. For a look at the interior, check out our photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

New look for Lebanese Taverna

LebTav, the new version of local favorite Lebanese Taverna, opened its doors this week a few doors down from its longtime home at Congressional Plaza. LebTav is smaller than its predecessor, with a pared-down menu of salads, pita sandwiches, falafel, shawarma, hummus and grab-and-go items. For more on the new format — and lots more about all the changes at Congressional Plaza — check out our Feb. 21 and Feb. 28 editions.

Two more closings at Rockville Town Square

The exodus at Rockville Town Square continued this week when two neighboring businesses on Gibbs Street — Lab Cafe and Little Dipper Hot Pot House — closed their doors within days of each other. Lab Cafe, a bubble tea shop that opened in 2017, is the fifth business to fail at the same address since 2007. (Remember Bobby’s Crabcakes, Tippy’s Taco House, 82 Steak Out and Ev & Maddy’s?) Little Dipper also opened two years ago in the corner spot that once housed Noodles & Company. Add these two to the list of recent RTS closings that now includes Pandora Seafood House & Bar, Mellow Mushroom and LiquidBlue Denim Boutique, along with the neighboring Apollo restaurant. Dawson’s Market also closed last October, but it reopened in December under new ownership.

Realtor Jacqueline Band-Olinger of Greystone Realty

Rolling into Park Potomac

Roll by Goodyear has rolled into Park Potomac, opening a new store between Elevation Burger and The Wine Harvest. This is the space that once housed the Emily Grace boutique, most recently home to the pop-up Pooch Portrait Studio. Roll, which installs tires wherever you are, has blanketed Montgomery County with a half-dozen stores in the past few months.

Alice in Wonderland at Herbert Hoover Middle School

Big week for The Gap & Gymboree

Gap Inc. made so many announcements this week that even we found it hard to keep up. Number one, the company said it will close about half of its 500ish Gap stores over the next two years. Number two, it will spin off the thriving Old Navy brand into a separate publicly traded company. Number three, it will purchase the Janie and Jack kids’ clothing chain from bankrupt Gymboree Group. Meanwhile, Gymboree Group got some other good news when rival retailer The Children’s Place announced plans to purchase and “revitalize” what’s left of the Gymboree brand. Does that mean the Gymboree stores are no longer going out of business? The answer isn’t clear yet — and all these plans still have to go through bankruptcy court.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

What’s next for Cabin John, more closings at the mall, new UPS store for Potomac

January 31, 2019 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

What's next for Cabin John

Cabin John Village is in mid-makeover this month as construction workers continue stripping away the center’s dated facade in favor of a modern new roofline. Most of the work should be done by spring; click here for a glimpse of what it will look like. Next up for Cabin John: Boutique fitness center Biker Barre opens next month inside the mini-mall. (Want to try it out? Sign up here for free classes from Feb. 6-10.) After that comes Sisters Thai, now scheduled to open in March between Le Pain Quotidien and Shake Shack.

The party's over at Gymboree

With its parent company in Chapter 11, the Gymboree store at Westfield Montgomery mall has started its liquidation sale. No closing date has been announced yet, but all Gymboree locations are expected to be gone by May. The company is seeking a buyer for its sister chain, Janie and Jack, which also has a store at Westfield Montgomery. Stay tuned.

Exit for Crabtree & Evelyn

Also closing its doors at Westfield Montgomery mall: skincare store Crabtree & Evelyn, whose parent company recently filed bankruptcy in Canada. It’s unclear what will happen to the 50-year-old retailer, which is headquartered in Connecticut and has stores all over the world. At Westfield Montgomery, Crabtree & Evelyn faced competition from the likes of Kiehl’s, Kneipp, Lush, L’Occitane en Provence, The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works — not to mention the beauty departments at Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Special delivery for Potomac

To the delight of Amazon Primers near the Rockville/Potomac border, a new UPS Store is headed for Potomac Woods Plaza. It’s moving in next to Seven Locks Barber, taking the space that was recently vacated by Pack-‘n’-Ship. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

Julii and faux snow at Pike & Rose, Sugo is sold, Untuckit and tires at the mall

November 15, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Julii's almost here

Julii, one of the most anticipated new restaurants of the fall season, is two weeks away from opening at Pike & Rose. The casual bistro is a side venture from the founders of Cava, who plan to offer a French and Mediterranean menu with dishes like roast chicken and duck, crispy trout, tuna nicoise, French onion soup and Moroccan lamb tagine. “We’re going to start with dinner,” says co-owner Ted Xenohristos. “Eventually we’ll start opening in the mornings with coffee, baked goods, bagels and Israeli-style breakfast, then kick in with lunch service: sandwiches, stuffed croissants and grab-and-go meals.” Xenohristos also has some news about one of his other restaurants, Sugo at Park Potomac. Scroll down for more.

Sugo is sold

Sugo at Park Potomac, which opened six years ago as a side project from the team that created Cava, has changed hands as its busy founders move on to new ventures (see the Julii story above). The restaurant’s new owner is Dhvani Vyas, a Subway franchisee and Sugo fan who plans to keep the name and the menu essentially intact. He is, however, experimenting with some new items in the kitchen (bread pudding, Nutella-based desserts, white pizza with sliced peaches and balsamic glaze). Also on the way: new TVs, a new espresso machine, live music and special events showcasing wines and local beers. Eventually Vyas hopes to add an outdoor canopy like the one at neighboring Addie’s. “We’ll be looking for feedback from customers,” he says. “We want to see what else they’d like us to do.”

Untucked shirts and spare tires at the mall

Untuckit will open its doors next week in the Macy’s wing at Westfield Montgomery mall, right across from the Apple store. The retailer is known for its $80-ish button-down and polo shirts with hems that are intended to fall mid-fly, showing off its triangle logo and covering any spare tires. And speaking of spare tires: Goodyear is heading to the mall with its new tire store, Roll, which makes life easy by picking up your car or sending a mobile technician to handle the installation right at your home or workplace. The chain recently opened in downtown Bethesda and will be rolling into the former Pen Boutique space at Westfield Montgomery; opening date TBD.

Faux snow at Pike & Rose

After the success of its popular “Beach” installation this past summer, Pike & Rose is launching a wintertime counterpart: faux snow. In case you didn’t get enough of the real stuff this week, visit Pike & Rose any Friday or Saturday through the holidays for a manmade snowfall — complete with holiday music — every night at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

Adiós Mi Rancho, goodbye Taylor Gourmet, so long Silver Moon… and hello to Sweetgreen & a new boutique

September 20, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Here’s your retail & restaurant scoop for the week of Sept. 20, 2018.

Taylor Gourmet out, Sweetgreen in at Pike & Rose

Last week it was speculation, this week it’s a done deal: North Bethesda’s Taylor Gourmet will exit Pike & Rose just four months after it opened. Doors are scheduled to close Sept. 27th, although it could happen sooner. Last week the D.C.-based sandwich chain said it wanted to reduce real estate costs by ditching some of its larger locations, but this week it became clear that the entire chain is shutting down. Meanwhile, salad chain Sweetgreen announced plans to open at Pike & Rose next year on the ground floor of the new Canopy by Hilton/930 Rose hotel/condo complex. The health-oriented chain will provide a welcome counterpoint to its upcoming neighbors, BurgerFi and Sunday Morning Bakehouse. (Details on those in our July 26th and Aug. 30th editions.)

So long Silver Moon

One of our last remaining local gift shops, Silver Moon Jewelry & Accessories, is closing its doors at Congressional Plaza. Originally known as Tiara Galleries & Gifts, the 60-year-old retailer specialized in housewares and collectibles from the likes of Lladro, Swarovski and Waterford. As figurines and formal place settings fell out of fashion with younger buyers, the store rebooted in 2015 with a new name and a new focus: handbags from Vera Bradley and Spartina, jewelry from Pandora and Alex & Ani. With the recent passing of Irv Losman, son of founder Ruth Losman, Tiara/Silver Moon has run its course. The store will close on or before Nov. 30th.

Gym & Tonic athleisure boutique is now open at Park Potomac

Athleisure boutique opens at Park Potomac

Park Potomac has a new boutique: Gym & Tonic, featuring high-end workout wear and clothes that transition from the barre to the bar. The store opened last week next door to Addie’s, where it’s well-positioned to capture the crowds from Orangetheory Fitness on one side and Life Time Athletic on the other. For more on Gym & Tonic, click here.

Adiós Mi Rancho

Tex-Mex restaurant Mi Rancho has closed its red and green doors after a decade on Rockville Pike, where it sat between Party City and Yekta. Owners said they failed to reach a new lease agreement for the Rockville location, but they have no plans to close their other restaurants in Silver Spring and Germantown.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

New restaurant for Westfield Montgomery, Sugo’s secret chef, new picks on the Pike

June 28, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

New restaurant for Westfield Montgomery

Big news for the Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery mall: Urban Plates, a modern take on the classic cafeteria, is taking over the empty Naples space with plans to open next year. The California-based chain offers a variety of chef-driven food stations, allowing customers to choose from freshly tossed salads and bowls, hand-carved sandwiches, side dishes and scratch-made desserts. Foodies should be happy with this place, where the beef is grass-fed, the chicken free-range, the seafood sustainably sourced and the produce mostly local. Want a peek at the menu? Click here or head over to Tysons Galleria, where Urban Plates will open in mid-July. Want to know what other restaurants are on the way to the mall? Click here.

Sugo’s secret chef

New talent in the kitchen this summer at Sugo: Sasha Felikson, a respected young chef who has worked at top D.C.-area restaurants from CityZen to Minibar, has been quietly revamping dishes at the Park Potomac eatery. Felikson, known for his adventurous choices, has been raising the bar at Sugo with new additions like small-batch mozzarella cheese and homemade pastas. (The crab gnocchi is a knockout). He’s now working on recipes for Julii, the new venture from the founders of Sugo and Cava, where he’ll be running the kitchen when doors open this fall at Pike & Rose. The Julii menu will be French-Mediterranean, with a few surprises. (Ever seen ice cream prepared tableside? Felikson tells us he’s working on it. Stay tuned.)

CAVA, Honeygrow, Slapfish and Five Guys at Montrose Crossing 2

New picks on the Pike

The summer outdoor dining scene is starting to shape up at Montrose Crossing, with three new restaurants already open and two more nearing completion. Slapfish and Five Guys will soon join Cava and Honeygrow at the center’s new restaurant row, while Honey Pig Korean BBQ is now open near Old Navy. What’s missing from the lineup? Pieology. The make-your-own pizza chain has dropped out of the project, and we’re still waiting to hear who will fill the last few spaces. As soon as we know, you’ll know.

Rooftop crops at Pike & Rose

Remember the rooftop farm at Pike & Rose that we told you about last January? The first summer is off to a good start, with 17,000 square feet of crops including greens, root vegetables, herbs, tomatoes and peppers. Up Top Acres is overseeing the farm, which is said to be the largest of its kind in the Washington metro area. The food is being distributed to Pike & Rose restaurants, farm share members (maxed out for this year) and customers at the Saturday farm markets. For more info on Up Top Acres, click here.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

New seafood on Rockville Pike, new boutique for Park Potomac, Rio movie theater revamp

June 14, 2018 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Slapfish on the way to Rockville

Opening next month at Montrose Crossing on Rockville Pike: Slapfish, the fast-casual seafood restaurant that’s expanding to the D.C. area. The California-based chain offers a moderately priced menu ranging from fish tacos to shrimp salad to a seafood/grilled cheese mashup called the Clobster. Slapfish is set to open July 13th next to CAVA and newcomer Honeygrow, part of the new restaurant row that’s rising where Timpano once stood. Also on the way: Five Guys , relocating from its longtime home on the other side of Rockville Pike. For more on Slapfish in our Feb. 8th edition, click here.

New boutique for Park Potomac

New boutique on the way to Park Potomac: Gym & Tonic, featuring high-end workout wear plus blazers, sweaters and cute tank tops that can transition from day to night. The store is a new venture from longtime local retailer Wendy Abelman, who previously worked for Lucky Brand and My Best Friend’s Closet, and business partner Amy Morgan Block, who once ran a similar store in Miami. The duo are hoping to open by early fall next to Addie’s — right in the sweet spot between Life Time Athletic and Orangetheory Fitness.

AMC Loews movie theater at Rio Washingtonian Center

Revamp for Rio’s movie theater

The AMC Loews theater at Rio Washingtonian Center will be fully renovated by fall, the company tells us, with reclining seats, improved lighting and sound equipment, and an upgraded food and beverage menu. AMC is freshening up its properties across the country to meet the expectations of today’s audiences, who have grown accustomed to posh competitors like iPicand ArcLight. No word yet on how all these changes will affect ticket prices. For more on what’s happening at Rio Washingtonian, click here for our June 7th edition.

Summer kickoff at Wildwood this weekend

What’s happening this weekend? The annual Summer Sidewalk Sale at Wildwood Shopping Center. Stop by for great summertime deals at many of your favorite stores and restaurants: Belina Boutique, Blanca Flor, Coco Blanca, Hadlee, Irresistibles, Oakville Grille and Wine Bar, Red Orchard, Salon Nader, Sanctuary Interior Designs, Sandy Springs Bank, Secrete Jewelry, Sequel, [SOLIDCORE], South Moon Under, Voorthuis Opticians, Wildwood Italian Cuisine and Yves Delorme. The fun kicks into high gear on Saturday (June 16th) with live music and giveaways from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — including a chance to win $500 in gift cards to Wildwood merchants. Wildwood Shopping Center, 10241 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-998-8100.

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Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

New food & new stores for Westfield Montgomery mall, Karma opens at Park Potomac

May 24, 2018 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

New eats at the mall

Lots of new food on the way to Westfield Montgomery Mall, where several restaurants and a trendy new dessert place are set to open in the next few months. In the Dining Terrace, the Spice 6 Indian eatery is shooting for a late-June opening while newcomer EG Ramenis taking over the former Boardwalk space. Upstairs, across from the ArcLight Cinema, Viva Steakhouse & Asian Fusion should be open by early fall. Owner Calvin Yang tells us the restaurant will have a pan-Asian menu (Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese) plus several Japanese hibachi tables, an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet, and a full bar that overlooks the Dining Terrace. And another Asian food craze, Thai rolled ice cream, is on the way to the Sears wing in the spot just vacated by Menchie’s.

What’s new, what’s coming to the mall

What else is happening at Westfield Montgomery Mall? Furniture Place has opened in the former Victoria’s Secret/Pink space near Nordstrom. The Dormify showroom is now open as well (click here for more in our May 10th edition). And Zumiez, featuring skateboards and skater-inspired fashions, will be moving into the former VIP space.

Karma opens at Park Potomac

Karma by Erwin Gomez, the newest venture from the D.C.-based celebrity makeup artist, made its debut this week at Park Potomac. Located across from Addie’s in the ground floor of The Perry, Karma offers hair, makeup and nail services, lash and brow styling and an array of skin treatments — plus the chance to schedule a session with Gomez himself. For more on Karma, click here.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

Thai restaurant for Cabin John, Greek food for Rockville, Gringos & Mariachis arrives

December 7, 2017 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Another new restaurant for Cabin John

Sisters Thai, a hipster eatery from Fairfax, is the latest addition to the new restaurant lineup at Cabin John. The buzz on this place is quite good — not only for its food, fruit drinks and desserts, but also for its cozy “living room” atmosphere with mismatched furniture and overstuffed bookshelves. (Click here for a preview). Construction is already under way in the parking lot at Tuckerman Lane and Seven Locks Road, where Sisters will join Shake Shack, CAVAand Le Pain Quotidienfor a late 2018 debut. Cabin John, which was sold last year to the Edens development group, also is planning a name change after 50 years. Say goodbye to Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall; it’s now Cabin John Village.

Gringos & Mariachis arrives

This week brought the long-awaited debut of Gringos & Mariachis at Park Potomac. The Mexican restaurant had been under construction seemingly forever (but really about two years) across from MoCo’s Founding Farmers and next to the new Addie’s. This is a sister to the three-year-old Gringos & Mariachis in Bethesda, serving casual food and cocktails amidst striking murals inspired by Mexican street art. Owners Roberto and Riccardo Pietrobono are also behind the popular restaurants Alatri Bros.and Olazzo. More photos on our Facebook page; click here to see them.

Welcome the holidays at Wildwood

Stop by the Wildwood Shops this Saturday (Dec. 9th) for a holiday open house featuring live music, giveaways, strolling entertainment and plenty of gift inspiration. Register to win a $100 gift card to Buredo or Balducci’s, and snag a free copper insulated travel bottle with any $150 purchase. (Redeem your receipts at Belina Boutique, Coco Blanca, Buredo, Irresistibles, Red Orchard, Secrete Fine Jewelry or Yves Delorme.) Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Wildwood Shopping Center, 10241 Old Georgetown Road. Click here for details.

Sponsored Content

Rediscover your favorites at JT Interiors

JT Interiors closed its doors last summer, but the Potomac Village gift shop is alive and well on the Internet. All those charming holiday gifts that the store was known for – from embroidered table runners and painted guest towels to festive candles and party accessories — are available all season at www.jtinteriorspotomac.com. Snow globes like the one shown here are $30 and up, silk scarves are available in 10 colors for $40, and lighted glass vases with winter scenes are $12 to $30. Click here to visit the JT website, or email your inquiries to hello@jtinteriorspotomac.com.

New Greek restaurant for Rockville

Gyroland, a casual spinoff of the longtime Greek restaurant Mykonos, opened its doors this week in the former Maria’s Bakeryspace in the Shops at Congressional Village, 1701 Rockville Pike. The menu features gyros, wraps, souvlaki and other Greek specialties, along with salads and the honey donuts known as loukoumades. For a peek at the menu, click here.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

New venture from the Cava team, new closings and our favorite restaurants for 2017

November 30, 2017 By Store Reporter 2 Comments

Cava team cooks up something new for Pike & Rose

Have you been wondering what’s up with that glass-encased building across from the new L.L.Bean store on Rockville Pike? Now we know: It’s the future home of Julii, a new French Mediterranean restaurant from the founders of Cava. This will be a standalone concept created specifically for Pike & Rose, serving an all-day menu that moves from croissants and coffee in the morning to shakshouka, roast chicken and cocktails in the evening. Co-owner Ted Xenohristos tells us he hopes to open the doors by late spring or early summer.

Game over for Toy Kingdom

Toy Kingdom, one of the last original tenants at Rockville Town Square, will close its doors at the end of this month after more than a decade on Maryland Avenue. Toy stores large and small have been struggling to compete with online commerce these past few years; high-end Marbles closed all its stores last winter (including the one at Westfield Montgomery Mall), while Toys R Us filed Chapter 11 this past fall. In our area, Toy Castle in Potomac and Child’s Play in Rockville are now the only two toy stores left standing.

Trouble for Helen’s

Helen’s, which opened last year in the former Addie’sspace on Rockville Pike, is struggling to stay in business. Owner Helen Wasserman, a longtime D.C. caterer, says it’s been difficult to turn a profit in an aging building that has needed so many repairs. “We’re hoping to stay open if we can work things out with the landlord,” she says. The building’s former tenants, restaurateurs Jeff and Barbara Black, had similar issues that led them to close the original Addie’s in 2013. They recently debuted a new version at Park Potomac — and it’s one of our Store Reporter Favoritesfor 2017. Scroll down to find out who else made the list.

Another restaurant closes at the mall

Westfield Montgomery Mall lost another eatery last week with the closing of Shanghai Bao Kitchen, a two-year-old concept from the owners of Bob’s Shanghai 66. The restaurant had made several attempts to revamp its menu in the past few months, adding sushi burritos, poke bowls and other trendy items, but it suffered from its out-of-the-way location plus competition from the neighboring B/Bop/Q.

Our favorite new restaurants of 2017

This has been a tough year for retailers, but a relatively good one for the local dining scene. From Rockville Pike to Potomac to Westfield Montgomery Mall, some terrific new places have opened over the past 12 months. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.

Addie’s at Park Potomac: This reincarnation of the beloved Rockville restaurant was one of the most anticipated openings of the year — and many longtime fans say it was worth the wait. Seafood towers are the centerpiece of the high-end menu. Click here for details.
Buredo at the Wildwood Shops: This is the first Maryland location for the D.C.-based chain, an early pioneer of the sushi burrito craze. We’re partial to the Beatrix, stuffed with yellowfin tuna and salmon sashimi. Click here for details.
CSNY Pizza on Rockville Pike: From the owners of the much-loved Pizza CS, this is about as close as you can get to authentic New York-style pizza in Rockville. Click here for details.
Don Pollo at Westlake Crossing: Come for the juicy roasted chicken, stay for the tasty Peruvian dishes. We particularly like the ceviche, yuca and plantains. Click here for more.
Filicori Zecchini at Park Potomac: Finally, a neighborhood coffee shop that Potomac can call its own. With sleek European furniture, a stunning copper bar and authentic Italian coffee, it’s worlds away from Starbucks. Click here for more.
Honeyfish Poke at Congressional Plaza: Hawaiian-style poke bowls are all the rage, and this place does it right: generous portions, fresh toppings and flavorful sauces. Click here for details.
Fresh Baguette on Hungerford Drive: The second location for this popular French bakery is designed to service wholesale clients (think country clubs and ritzy hotels) but is happy to serve you a super-fresh sandwich, a loaf of bread or a single perfect pastry. Click here for more.
Gusto Farm to Street at Westfield Montgomery Mall: The pizzas and salads are all very good, but it’s the chewy, gluten-free cauliflower crust that really sets this place apart. Click here for more.
Lucky Strike at Westfield Montgomery Mall: The food is surprisingly good at this snazzy bowling alley, where you can sit front-and-center at the sports bar or huddle in a cozy corner for a quiet board game. Click here for more.
Mission BBQ at Wintergreen Plaza: This uber-patriotic restaurant has something of a cult following, both for its top-notch barbecue and its dedication to supporting those in uniform. The brisket is a standout. Click here for more.
Moby Dick in Potomac Village: A welcome addition to this restaurant-starved neighborhood, offering a reliable Middle Eastern menu that’s well-suited for takeout. Click here for more.
Pinstripes at Pike & Rose: Bocce and bowling aren’t the only reasons to visit: The dishes here are among the tastiest we’ve had this year in North Bethesda. Don’t miss the boneless short rib and the crispy calamari. Click here for more.

Did you miss these issues?

Playa Bowls to Cabin John, Bambū Opens, Fuddruckers Closes, Smashburger’s Back

Cabin John Q&A: What’s new, what’s next and what you should know

New restaurant for Wildwood, Lands’ End seals the deal — plus an opening, a closing and a comeback

First look at Cooper’s Hawk, Thai and Chinese on Rockville Pike, Duck Donuts ducks out

July opening updates: Cooper’s Hawk, China Garden, Sisters Thai, Dave & Buster’s — plus what’s next for Cabin John Village

First look at Flower Child, Möge Tee at the mall, summer menu at Gusto — plus Smashburger’s final flameout

Latest peek at Sisters Thai, first look at Fogo de Chão, last chance for The Big Greek giveaway

New opening at Pike & Rose, Five Below is on the go, Rockville restaurant closes and the real price of delivery apps

Fogo de Chão at Pike & Rose, more construction at Cabin John, goodbye Payless and trouble for Party City

Popups, Pooch Portraits, Pandora Seafood & Victoria’s Secret

October 19, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

What’s popping up at the mall

The chilly weather has finally arrived, and so have the winter pop-up shops at Westfield Montgomery Mall. In the Nordstrom wing, the long-departed Things Remembered is back for the holidays with an array of personalized presents. Canadian retailer Just Cozy has set up shop on Level 2 near Auntie Anne’s, selling leggings and women’s cold-weather accessories. Also new this year is MVP Supreme, showcasing the popular streetwear brand in the space recently vacated by Best Buy Mobile. Supreme was in the news this week when it ranked near Nike and Adidas in a Piper Jaffray survey of American teens. The results were far less promising for Maryland-based Under Armour, which topped the list of “old” brands that teens say they no longer wear. Ouch.

Pooch portraits at Park Potomac

Pooch Portrait Studio, a Glamour Shots for the furry set, is now open in the former Emily Grace space at Park Potomac. Photographer Sarah Rosencrans creates dog portraits suitable for Christmas cards, wall art and lots of likes on Instagram. Shooting sessions starts at $149, and Rosencrans says most clients end up spending $500 or more on prints and products. “I really like them to leave with a piece of wall art, because I see how happy it makes them,” she says. “I’ve photographed about 500 dogs, and there hasn’t been one yet that I couldn’t get a picture of.” For a look at Pooch Portrait’s packages, click here.

New home for Victoria’s Secret and Pink

Today was moving day for Victoria’s Secret and Pink at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The sister stores have left their longtime home near Nordstrom for a new space in the Macy’s wing next to Sephora. Grand opening festivities will be happening all weekend. No word yet on new tenants for the Nordstrom wing, which is entering the holiday shopping season with lots of empty space.

New seafood in Rockville

The former American Tap Room space at Rockville Town Square reopened this week as Pandora Seafood House & Bar, with a high-end menu featuring dishes like Honey Lavender Duck Breast, Lemon & Caviar Crab, and Lobster with Foie Gras Ravioli. The restaurant is a new venture from the former owners of China Garden in Arlington, who also have announced plans for a new Chinese restaurant in the former REI space on Rockville Pike. To see what’s on the menu at Pandora, click here.

Addie’s and Gusto open, BGR and La Madeleine close — and CAVA’s coming to Cabin John

September 7, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

CAVA heads to Shady Grove, Cabin John

Hometown favorite CAVA is expanding its presence in the Rockville/Potomac area, adding three new restaurants between now and the end of next year. Besides the location that’s currently under construction at Montrose Crossing on Rockville Pike, CAVA co-founder Ted Xenohristos tells us the chain is heading to Shady Grove Road and I-270 as well as the Cabin John shopping center in Potomac. Cabin John will soon start construction on several new restaurants in its front corner parking lot, with a projected opening in mid to late 2018. More on that in an upcoming issue.

Addie’s and Gusto open, BGR and La Madeleine close

What else has happened on the restaurant scene since we took a break in August? The big news in fine dining is the opening of Addie’s at Park Potomac, a reincarnation of the longtime Rockville Pike favorite from Jeff and Barbara Black. The showpiece of the new menu is the Addie’s seafood tower, featuring a rotating assortment of clams, shrimp, mussels, oysters and other specialties like warm garlic flan and Eastern Shore watermelon. Gusto Farm to Street, the Bethesda-based chain known for its salads and thin-crust pizzas, also opened this week in the former Lobster ME space at Westfield Montgomery Mall. But August also marked the end for two longtime local restaurants: The BGR burger chain is out after six years at Cabin John Shopping Center, and La Madeleine has closed in North Bethesda after a short-lived relocation to Pike & Rose.

Mall moves

Westfield Montgomery Mall continued to take a hit from the struggling national retail scene this summer, saying goodbye to bankrupt True Religion and RadioShack as well as Bebe (now online only) and Wilsons Leather (downsizing). Another longtime tenant, Vitamin World, is expected to file bankruptcy next week. But the mall also has welcomed some new businesses, including eateries Gusto (see story above) and Cookie Dough & Co. (see our Aug. 10 issue) as well as The Fix gadget repair shop, the Euphrasie dress store and the CoCo LaRue hair extension boutique. Also back is seasonal tenant Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too, which will fill the former Bebe space until spring.

New at Pike & Rose

The new tenants are arriving quickly at Pike & Rose, where Sephora and Pinstripes debuted last month (see our Aug. 10th issue), the Sur La Table cooking store just opened, and H&M is set to debut next week. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for more on the center’s fall lineup.

Coffee house opens at Park Potomac — plus Smashburger, True Religion, Ann Taylor and Walgreens

July 6, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Coffee house opens at Park Potomac

Opening in mid-July after more than a year of construction at Park Potomac: Filicori Zecchini, the European-style coffee house on the ground floor of The Perry. Owner Elhussien Ahmed, an Egyptian native with a passion for Italian coffee, has been laboring over details from the imported mosaic wall tiles to the sleek Italian chairs to the stunning copper coffee bar. The menu will include pastries, sandwiches and grab-and-go items from the French bakery Fresh Baguette, plus Italian specialty drinks like bicerìn and marrocchino (espresso and milk froth mixed with hot chocolate or cocoa powder). For opening hours and other info, call 301-444-4417.

What’s the story with Smashburger?

Fast-casual chain Smashburger has been closing restaurants all over Montgomery County, including one in downtown Bethesda last winter and two more in Gaithersburg and Germantown over the past few weeks. Julian Goodman, the company’s local franchisee, says all three restaurants were company-owned and their locations were not the right fit. Goodman, who opened his first Smashburger at The Galvan on Rockville Pike last year, says he’s actively looking for more locations in this area.

Tough times for True Religion

True Religion, the Los Angeles-based manufacturer of designer denim, is the latest retailer to file Chapter 11. The brand came to prominence in the early 2000s, when high-end denim bars were all the rage and no one used the term “athleisure.” Now True Religion is looking to reduce its $500 million debt load with hopes of emerging from bankruptcy later this year. At least 27 of the company’s 130-plus stores are expected to close. No word yet on the fate of the Westfield Montgomery Mall location, which opened in 2014.

Back for the summer: Bangkok Shrimp at CalTort

Bangkok Shrimp, a summertime specialty at California Tortilla, is back on the menu through the end of August. Lightly breaded with a mild red chili sauce, the spicy-sweet delicacy is the star of Bangkok Shrimp Tacos, Bangkok Shrimp Bowls and (our favorite) Bangkok Shrimp Quesadillas. Like all the food at CalTort, it’s made fresh in small batches all day long. “Many people don’t realize how serious we are about serving only the freshest ingredients,” says CalTort exec Keith Goldman. “We actually do not have freezers in any of our restaurants. So every day we’re getting something delivered, be it produce or proteins… and for the next few months, shrimp. That’s why some of our menu items are only offered seasonally, even though they’re guest favorites.” Want to see what’s cooking at the Cabin John CalTort this summer? Click here.

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New look for Ann Taylor

The Ann Taylor store at Westfield Montgomery Mall is temporarily closed for renovation. The retailer has announced plans to shutter some of its locations this year, along with those of sister chains including Loft and Lane Bryant. But the Montgomery Mall store is expected to reopen by fall.

Walgreens & Rite Aid break up

After two years of protracted negotiations with U.S. regulators, Walgreens and Rite Aid have called off their plans for a merger. Instead, Walgreens has agreed to buy 2,350 Rite Aid stores in the Northeast, the Southeast and the Mid-Atlantic. The company hasn’t disclosed which stores are part of this new deal, but a spokesman tells us that all will eventually be absorbed into the Walgreens brand. That likely means one less drug store for Potomac Village, where Walgreens and Rite Aid are neighbors on opposite sides of River Road.

Don Pollo, edible cookie dough, changes at Zoës Kitchen

June 8, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Don Pollo debuts

Don Pollo opened its doors outside Westfield Montgomery Mall this week, taking over the former Roti space next to Corner Bakery at Westlake Crossing. The menu is centered on charbroiled chicken, but it also offers traditional Peruvian dishes from lomo saltado and jalea con mariscos to ceviche and arroz chaufa. Also fun to try: sweet Latin American drinks like chicha morada, made from purple corn, and horchata, made with milk and cinnamon. The decor is reminiscent of Fish Taco and Cava Grill, hip and casual with a communal table in the middle. For menu and hours, call (301) 347-6175 or click here.

Hello cookie dough

Edible cookie dough, the trending treat of 2017, is on its way to Westfield Montgomery Mall. A July/August opening is in the works for Cookie Dough & Co., a new venture that’s moving into the former Peet’s Coffee kiosk near Sears. The safe-to-eat dough is served like ice cream — scooped into cups, stuffed into cones or slathered between slices of homemade Rice Krispie treats. Also on the menu: craft sodas, nitro-brewed coffee, and milk topped with flavored syrup, whipped cream and edible glitter. “This is the first location for our concept, and we’re going to have some fun,” says manager Dan Zhu, who also owns D.C.-based Pinch Dumplings. Edible cookie dough has a huge following in New York City, where six-month-old DŌ routinely sees lines stretching around the block. Click here for more on Cookie Dough & Co.

A revamp for Zoës Kitchen

Zoës Kitchen at Park Potomac is looking a little different these days. The Texas-based chain is trying to roll with changing food trends, altering its menu boards and tweaking its offerings for diners who are perpetually on the go. A new category, “snack boxes,” features easily portable items like hummus and veggies with less than 500 calories. CEO Kevin Miles says Zoës is looking to meet “the growing demand for convenient, healthy, better-for-you snacking options” between lunch and dinner. Delivery service is also in the works. Click here to see what’s new on the menu.

Happy birthday Helen’s

Helen’s, the intimate North Bethesda restaurant at 11120 Rockville Pike, is celebrating its first birthday with a new prix fixe menu featuring duck a l’orange, halibut with sherry sauce, Maryland lump crab cakes and other specialties of veteran chef Helen Wasserman. The longtime D.C. caterer spent two years renovating the century-old building, which previously was home to Addie’s. She also handles bar mitzvahs, weddings, corporate parties and other private events. Call (202) 483-4444 or visit www.helensnorthbethesda.com.

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New salon, bridal store and boutique — plus Metro pop-ups and a ShopHouse successor

May 18, 2017 By Store Reporter 1 Comment

D.C. salon expanding to Potomac

Karma by Erwin Gomez, a D.C. salon headed by a celeb makeup artist, is expanding to Park Potomac with a new location on the ground floor of The Perry. “We will be full-service, offering makeup, brows, lashes, skin care, body bronzing and spray tanning as well as hair,” says co-owner Sab Shad. “We’ll have a fun, loungy feel for bridal parties and other groups to hang out while they get ready for their big event.” Shad is a veteran of the Red Door chain, where partner Gomez got his start before moving on to celeb clients like Eva Longoria and Jennifer Garner. Plans call for a February opening; click here for more info.

New venture for Mustard Seed owner

After 25 years with Mustard Seed, the secondhand clothing store on Wisconsin Avenue, co-founder Gayle Herrmann is striking out on her own. The Oak boutique opened last week at 10511 Metropolitan Ave. in Kensington, a 10-minute drive from Rockville Pike and worlds away from the traffic of downtown Bethesda. “I wanted to do something different, in a less hectic area with more parking where I could really connect with people,” Herrmann says. While Mustard Seed was known for its vintage and recently recycled clothing, Oak (oaktheshop.com) carries all-new merchandise with a weekend-casual vibe. “We specialize in comfy and loose but hip things that you won’t find at Nordstrom,” she says. “We don’t carry jeans. I really think people want easy stuff right now.” As for Mustard Seed, the store is still in business under a new name: Remix.

Cabin John puts a ring on it

Say Yes for Less, a bridal boutique featuring high-end gowns at deep discounts, has opened its doors at Cabin John Mall in the second-floor space above Zohra. Owner Pamela Vito may be new to Potomac shoppers, but she’s no stranger to wedding dresses: She and her mother ran Hannelore’s Bridal Boutique in Old Town Alexandria for more than 30 years. “Having been in the industry for so long, I have stores across the country that are willing to send me their samples,” Vito says. “These are dresses that have been discontinued — some just recently — and I’m selling them at a dramatically reduced price.” Vito stocks about 300 gowns in a variety of sizes, with most priced between $1,500 and $3,000. The store is open by appointment only, click here for details.

Asian fusion’s back at Pike & Rose

Opening this Monday (May 22nd) in North Bethesda: Bibibop Asian Grill, the successor to ShopHouse Asian Kitchen at Pike & Rose. Shophouse, a failed spinoff of Chipotle, went out of business this spring and sold all of its 15 locations to Ohio-based Bibibop. The new menu isn’t all that different from the old one, with bowls of rice or greens topped by vegetables, proteins and Asian sauces. Click here to check it out.

Flowers and food on the go

This week marked the launch of Strathmore Square, a six-week pop-up market running Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station. “This is a chance for commuters to pick up things like flowers, rotisserie chicken and fresh bread on their way home,” says Ron Kaplan of D.C.-based Fivesquares, which is testing the market for a long-term retail plan. Participating vendors include Ibhana, Grandma Vera’s and The Red Bandana Bakery, selling everything from bouquets and sun hats to prepared meals, juices and pastries. Instead of the usual pop-up tents and kiosks, Fivesquares hired an artist to build mini-storefronts from the sliced-up remains of a retired Metro car. Click here for a video showing how it was done.

Halal Guys in, Rocklands and Emily Grace out — plus Nordstrom’s latest denim debacle

April 27, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Halal this fall

Opening this fall at Wintergreen Plaza on Rockville Pike: The Halal Guys, a brick-and-mortar version of the New York City food cart business with the crazy-long lines. What’s on the menu? Beef and chicken gyros served with pita or basmati rice, plus sides of hummus, baba ganouj, falafel and fries. “Our secret is our white sauce — not the typical tzatziki with cucumber — which puts everything together really well,” says Maryland franchisee Rabi Ullah. He’s also opening a location in College Park, with plans for further expansion statewide (click here for the menu). The Halal Guys replaces Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Company, which has exited Wintergreen Plaza now that Mission BBQ is open.

Goodbye Emily Grace

Emily Grace, one of the original tenants at Park Potomac, closed its doors this week after seven years in business. The boutique specialized in high-end fashions from lines like Vince, Michael Lauren, Joie and AG Jeans. Park Potomac, which will be buzzing this summer with the debut of three new restaurants, is already talking to replacement tenants.

Offenbachers returns to Rockville

Offenbachers, the D.C.-area retail chain that closed its doors last winter, is making a comeback of sorts in Rockville. Home Escapes, a 30-year-old retailer from Virginia, has purchased the Offenbachers name and opened a showroom just around the corner from its former home on Nicholson Lane. The store carries a similar assortment of hot tubs, spas, outdoor furniture, fire pits and pool tables, but the original Offenbachers team is not involved with this venture. Click here to check out the inventory.

Who won our tickets for Rent stars at Strathmore?

Congratulations to Store Reporter readers Dara Baylinson and Gail Hyman, who each won a pair of tickets to see original Rent stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp at Strathmore in North Bethesda. Strathmore’s spring/summer schedule also includes appearances by Tony Bennett, Audra McDonald, Gladys Knight and the creators of the Serial podcast. Click here to check it out.

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For information about a discount at Regency Estates Swim Club, email publisher@storereporter.com

Fashion fails: muddy jeans and washable cashmere

Just a few weeks after we told you about that regrettable “mom jeans with windows” incident (click for details) comes news of yet another Nordstrom denim debacle. This time the retailer has been universally shamed for its $425 “heavily distressed” Barracuda jeans. Apparently, “heavily distressed” in Nordstrom-talk means “covered in fake mud.” In other fashion fails this week, washable cashmere company Kit and Ace announced the closing of all its U.S. stores including the one in downtown Bethesda. Kit and Ace was the brainchild of ousted Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, who once helped kick off the athleisure clothing trend. This time around, Wilson apparently overestimated the public’s appetite for $398 turtlenecks.

New restaurant coming, Noodles & Company going at the mall — plus, bye bye Bebe and Bethesda’s Barnes & Noble

April 6, 2017 By Store Reporter 3 Comments

New restaurant heading to Westfield Montgomery

A popular Bethesda restaurant known for its thin-crust pizzas and salads is finalizing plans for a new location at Westfield Montgomery Mall. We can’t reveal the name just yet, but we can tell you that the menu focuses on healthy eating with fresh vegetables, antibiotic-free meats, cauliflower pizza crusts and gluten-free options. Unlike the recently departed Blaze Pizza and Naples Ristorante, this is a locally owned chain that already has a following in our area.

Noodles & Company, Yum Crepes close

Meanwhile, Noodles & Company exited Westfield Montgomery Mall this week along with the short-lived Yum Crepes. Noodles & Company recently announced plans to trim 55 locations; this week’s closings also included the one on Elm Street in downtown Bethesda. The Rockville restaurant at Congressional Plaza remains open, as does the one in Gaithersburg.

Shoe news

Kicks USA, a Philadelphia-based chain specializing in trendy sneakers, will make its Maryland debut this year with a new store at Westfield Montgomery Mall. The retailer will take over two storefronts near Macy’s Home that were previously occupied by Core, which closed this winter, and Voorthuis Opticians, which has relocated to the Nordstrom wing. Kicks sells shoes for men, women and kids, but its marketing is aimed squarely at teen boys who collect and trade the latest editions from Nike, Adidas, Vans and other popular lines. The company publishes a “release date” schedule for each new design, making savvy use of social media and fanboy videos like this one for the latest pair of Air Jordans.

Spring brings more store closings

Two more waves of store closings were announced this week as the Payless shoe chain filed Chapter 11 and women’s retailer Bebe made plans to move its business online. Say goodbye to the Payless store on Rockville Pike, which had been open for just seven months, and the Bebe store at Westfield Montgomery Mall, which will close by the end of May. Payless is reorganizing and will continue to operate some of its stores, including the one at Westfield Montgomery. Bebe had no other locations in Maryland.

Barnes & Noble closes the book on Bethesda

Barnes & Noble has announced plans to close its three-story location in downtown Bethesda, an institution for more than two decades at the corner of Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues. The departure, scheduled for the end of this year, will leave the struggling bookseller with just two stores in Montgomery County: one at Montrose Crossing on Rockville Pike, and the other at Rio Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg.

New deal brewing for Panera

The Panera restaurant chain was purchased this week by JAB Holding Company, a German firm that also acquired Krispy Kreme and Einstein Bros. Bagels in the past few years. The goal? Brand synergies. JAB also owns a bunch of coffee companies including Peet’s, Caribou and Keurig Green Mountain. The Panera acquisition offers 2,000 new places to sell coffee.

Did you miss something?

Did you know that Moby Dick is up and running in Potomac Village and Mission BBQ has arrived on Rockville Pike? Wondering about the opening dates for North Bethesda’s new REI store and the new restaurants at Park Potomac? Spring break is a great time to visit our website, www.storereporter.com, and catch up any news you might have missed. Also, Store Reporter is finally on Twitter! Follow us: @store_reporter.com.

Mall Update: What’s next for Westfield Montgomery and White Flint

March 30, 2017 By Store Reporter Leave a Comment

Spring awakening for the mall?

If you’ve been saddened by all the closings at Westfield Montgomery Mall these past few months, take heart: From what we hear, some exciting new tenants are already in the pipeline. After a long winter’s worth of national retail bankruptcies (The Limited, American Apparel and Marbles, among others), it’s clear that e-commerce has changed the game for malls across the country. At Westfield Montgomery, where several restaurants and local businesses have departed as well, look for those empty spaces to be filled by new types of tenants offering experiential elements that can’t be duplicated online. One example: The Nespresso store that’s scheduled to open this spring, offering opportunities to taste before you buy. Also on the way: A specialty shoe store that we’ll tell you about next week. Stay tuned to Store Reporter for the latest as these plans unfold.

White Flint owners pay up

Speaking of malls and new beginnings, it appears we’ve finally reached the end of the longstanding legal battle between Lord & Taylor and the owners of the former White Flint Mall. The Washington Business Journal reports that Lerner Enterprises and The Tower Cos. have paid the $31 million they owed Lord & Taylor after two judges ruled in favor of the department store. The amount represents financial losses resulting from the demolition of White Flint, which left Lord & Taylor standing alone on Rockville Pike since early 2016. Previously, the mall’s owners had threatened the possibility of scuttling redevelopment plans if they had to pay the judgment. But this week they backtracked, telling Bethesda Beat that a new plan is already in the works.

Park Potomac: When are the restaurants coming?

Although we get this question nearly every week, we’re sorry to report that we still don’t have firm opening dates for any of the new restaurants at Park Potomac. Filicori Zecchini and Gringos & Mariachis both are expected to debut in the next month or two, but even that is still uncertain. And the wait for Addie’s is definitely going be longer. Watch this space for updates.

Goodbye Coffee Coolatta

Dunkin’ Donuts will put its Coffee Coolatta on ice this summer, phasing out the dessert-like drink in favor of newcomer Frozen Dunkin’ Coffee. What’s the difference? Basically, more caffeine and a little less sugar. With today’s consumers gravitating toward espresso drinks and cold brews, Dunkin’ VP Chris Fuqua says the Coolatta simply “isn’t good enough” to remain on the menu. The new drink, along with a Caramel Shaved Ice Espresso that’s being tested in several markets, will offer customers “a more energizing coffee-drinking experience,” he says. Except for the ones who like the fruity Coolattas. Those are staying on the menu.